Bleeding is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with end stage renal disease. A major cause of uremic bleeding is due to platelet dysfunction. It has been theorized that in renal failure, toxins accumulate, some of which inhibit primary hemostasis. All aspects of normal platelet function are affected. Platelet function has previously been difficult to quantify but recently a novel test, the platelet function analyzer (PFA-100) has been determined to be both sensitive and specific in assessing platelet function. Conventional hemodialysis (CHD) has been shown to partially correct thrombocytopathy. Enhanced uremic clearance can now be attained through the use of short daily hemodialysis (SDHD). Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of mortality in dialysis patients, accounting for 40% of deaths. Volume overload is associated with high blood pressure, left ventricular hypertrophy and elevated markers of inflammation and these factors have been associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. SDHD has been shown to control blood pressure and limit volume expansion. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) has been used to assess arterial compliance and reduction of arterial elasticity of large and small arteries which have been associated with cardiovascular outcomes.

Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study:

18 Years and older

Genders Eligible for Study:

Both

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

No

Sampling Method:

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Short daily HD v PD v conventional HD

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Patient is enrolled in short daily hemodialysis program

Patient is minimum of 18 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

Patient is unable to consent due to language barrier

Patient is unable to consent due to cognitive difficulties

Patient refuses consent

Contacts and Locations

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00182156